Dementia
receiving a diagnosis of dementia
Have you recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? Whether the symptoms of dementia have come on slowly or seemed to hit all at once, it can feel devastating to receive confirmation from a doctor. You might have overwhelming thoughts such as, “How is my partner going to take care of me?” “What are my kids going to do?” “How will I afford the care I need?” “I am too young for this!” or maybe you feel paralyzed with grief and fear of what the future will hold.
A diagnosis of dementia can be terrifying. The future you imagined for yourself and your family can be upended in an instant. After receiving a dementia diagnosis, you may experience grief, anger, frustration, disbelief, and incredible sadness.
You do not have to sit back and struggle. You can take steps today to ensure that your future looks the way you want.
When you start therapy after a dementia diagnosis, it will empower you to take control over how your future will unfold, what care you receive, who is a part of your journey, and how to maintain your identity.
rethinking dementia
Our society is full of media representations, misconceptions, myths and stereotypes of what dementia looks like and who it impacts. The characterization of individuals with dementia being frail, elderly grandparents often doesn’t apply anymore. People of many ages can have a dementia diagnosis. People living with dementia can lead fulfilling lives, make decisions, connect with loved ones, learn new skills, contribute to the community, and most importantly – tell their own stories.
I believe that dementia doesn’t have to become your primary identity simply because you have been given a diagnosis from your doctor. Your life story matters and you have the ability to tell that story. You have the autonomy to decide what your life will look like moving forward. You can still find great joy in life. You can stay connected with the people you love. You can thrive with dementia. I am here to help you see and believe those truths within yourself.
How i can help
Talking about mortality is something deeply uncomfortable for most Americans. Our society is tragically unprepared for conversations about illness, legacy, consciousness, death, and memory. Having those conversations can feel overwhelming and you might not know where to start.
When you begin therapy with me, I will be your partner in navigating this difficult journey. Step by step, you and I will work together to figure out what decisions need to be made, how you want to remain connected to loved ones, find ways to remain empowered, and begin to embrace vulnerability and asking for help. As the course of dementia progresses, individuals often feel a loss of autonomy. By taking proactive steps to plan your future, you can remain an active participant in your life story from here forward.
my dementia expertise
For years, I have been working with individuals with dementia and their families at every stage of the process – early diagnosis, transitions into assisted living and memory care communities, progression of dementia symptoms, palliative care, hospice and end of life. I give lectures to the larger Seattle community on how to handle a loved one’s dementia diagnosis and I am passionate about continuing to share my knowledge with a broad audience. You can learn more about my work with individuals with a dementia diagnosis by listening to the interview I did with Lori La Bey on her Alzheimer’s Speaks radio show.
Click here to listen!
your brain can always create reasons “why not”
You may be thinking, “I am too old to start therapy now.” It is never too late to take steps towards a more fulfilled life. I have worked with clients who are 100 years old and I can assure you, there is no age limit to finding meaning and joy in life. In fact, the more years of life experience you have, the more wisdom you can bring into therapy with you!
Therapy may sound like something that would benefit you and your loved ones but may seem like an expense you simply can’t afford. I understand how costly care can be, and financial planning for your future is certainly worth careful consideration. When you take the step of coming to therapy, you are making the choice to focus on your priorities. Together, we will work to understand what is most important to you and where you want to direct your emotional, mental, and financial resources. Therapy can become the space in which you authentically discuss how to match your financial standing to the future you envision for yourself as you move along your dementia journey.
The next step
If you are ready to take control of your future after receiving a dementia diagnosis, take the first step and contact me to set up a free consultation.
We can work together to figure out if therapy with me would be the right fit for your needs and then begin your journey towards your most fulfilled life.